Friday, September 14, 2012

Help democracy, earn money

Wanna pitch in on the democratic process, and earn some cash in the process?

If you aren't busy Tuesday, Nov. 6, the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's office could use your help as an election judge. Today, the office announced that it's a few hundred short.

What would you be doing, you ask? According to the press release:

On Election Day, all Judges must be at their assigned polling place at 5:45 a.m. Polls are open 7:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. Judges remain at the polling place throughout the day, until all assignments are complete, which may be until 8:00 p.m. or later. Some responsibilities of Judges include: verifying the voter’s ID, demonstrating how to vote on the touch screen, and issuing provisional ballots.

It's a long day, no doubt, but if you are interested in earning a cold $100, or just wanna ensure that the election goes off without a hitch, get in touch with the clerk's election staff by phone at 575-VOTE (8683) or online.

Friday, September 14, 2012 — Colorado Springs, CO — Citizens are encouraged to become involved in the democratic process as our country prepares to elect a President, by working as an Election Judge for the General Election on November 6.

The El Paso County Clerk & Recorder’s Office will hire over 1,200 Election Judges to work at the 111 polling places throughout the county. According to Colorado law, the selection of Election Judges began with sign-up sheets at the political party caucuses earlier this year. About 625 of the Judges needed were signed up through the caucus process; however, more are needed. Applications are being accepted now.

For these Election jobs, the law dictates there must be a person of each major political party to ensure fairness and balance in the Election process. There is a greater need for people who are registered Democrats to fill vacant Election Judge positions at this time. There also are positions open for registered Republicans.

To qualify for an Election Judge position, a citizen must be 18 years or older, registered to vote in El Paso County, have dependable transportation, and work any duty assigned. Election Judges receive $100 for working on Election Day, November 6. They also are required to attend a training session, for which they will be paid $40.

On Election Day, all Judges must be at their assigned polling place at 5:45 a.m. Polls are open 7:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. Judges remain at the polling place throughout the day, until all assignments are complete, which may be until 8:00 p.m. or later. Some responsibilities of Judges include: verifying the voter’s ID, demonstrating how to vote on the touch screen, and issuing provisional ballots.

High School students may apply for Student Judge positions and gain great experience during this exciting Presidential Election year. A Student Judge must be a U.S. citizen, 16 years of age or older and a Junior or Senior in a public or private school, or equivalent if home schooled. The rate of pay is the same as for all other Election Judges and they perform the same duties. Student Judges also must attend a training session prior to the Election, provide their own transportation to the polling place, and be absent from school on Election Day.